Chief Timipre Sylva, former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, has resigned his membership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing the party of abandoning its founding ideals.
Sylva, who is also a former governor of Bayelsa, announced his resignation in a letter dated Aug. 31, 2026, addressed to the APC Chairman of Ward 4 in Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa.
The letter, which was electronically delivered, stated that Sylva reached the decision after consultations with his family, associates, colleagues and supporters.
“Having consulted widely with my family, associates, colleagues and sympathisers, I wish to formally tender my resignation from the All Progressives Congress (APC), with immediate effect,” he said.
Sylva described himself as a founding member of the APC and recalled his role in building the party.
He, however, expressed dissatisfaction with the direction of the party, alleging that its approach to politics had undermined standards of decency and morality.
The former governor said he could no longer continue as a member of the party.
Sylva served as Minister of State for Petroleum Resources under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The former minister was declared wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in November 2025 over an alleged conspiracy and dishonest conversion of 14.859 billion dollars in funds belonging to the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB).
The funds were allegedly linked to a refinery project involving Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Ltd.
The allegations are subject to legal proceedings and do not amount to a conviction.
